The Maverick is cheap because it is made in a low cost area (aka Mexico) and is an exact copy of the Mossberg 500, 95% of the quality and half the price. Personally I would buy a good used Rem 870 as I've worn out new Mossberg 500s (yeah, I actually SHOOT my guns! Amazing what happens when you actually USE the stuff instead of just look at it!), but my 1958 vintage 870 is fine!

For home defense, the best way to go is to get a Remington 870 police model from a gun show or from J&G. The receiver has a parkerized finish, the stock and pump handle have a matte finish, it has a one piece 8 shot tube and it has Wingmaster internal moving parts. Wingmaster internal parts are forged and milled in the US; but the Express uses MIM parts from SE Asia. Don't get an Express. I tried an Express at the store and the movement was very hard. I've had bad experiences with loose fitting MIM extractors and firing pin stops on a handgun and they are much weaker. My hunting shotgun is a Wingmaster and my dad has a 1958 Wingmaster that has never had a problem; but I have a Mossberg for my self-defense shotgun; just because I got a deal on it with another gun from a friend. If I ever have any problem with it then I will definately be replacing it with an 870 police model. Most reports that I have heard of military use of Mossbergs has been good; but I've heard of civillians wearing them out. You should definitely have spare parts for any gun that you are keeping for when TSHTF.

check out your local pawnshops! i just bought a remington 870 express with a 2nd 18.5 in barrel for $125 total!!!!! its a 1972 model according to remington website and the stock is broken,but who cares,i'm going to install a pistol grip.

i think i just got lucky! I have found a lot of good guns at pawnshops but this is the first time ive found a shotgun with 2 barrels,one 24 and one 18.5. the 18.5 barrel usually goes for $80 or more just by itself.